5 Unique Hotel Room Keys

Check-in to one of these luxe properties with a very special room key

This December, iconic Detroit-based companies Shinola and Bedrock will introduce the first-ever Shinola Hotel in their hometown. The Shinola Hotel will feature 129 rooms and will serve as Detroit’s new social “living room,” designed for spending quality time in good company. Maintaining Shinola’s dedication to authentic craftsmanship, guests will receive a branded key fob with a leather tassel upon check-in. The actual key fob is inspired by the Shinola watches and the tassel is the signature Shinola blue, a color found throughout the entire hotel.

5 Unique Hotel Room Keys

Check-in to one of these luxe properties with a very special room key

The Bowery Hotel in the Lower East Side oozes quintessential New York City charm that can be spotted in nearly every crevice of the property, even in the smallest details such as its keys. Upon check-in, guests receive Italian-inspired metal room keys linked to lavish, oversized red tassels, providing a warm, whimsical alternative to plastic key cards at most hotels.

5 Unique Hotel Room Keys

Check-in to one of these luxe properties with a very special room key

Burlington's first independent hotel, Hotel Vermont, has cultivated local partnerships with a range of artisans in the local area and neighboring counties of Vermont. Local artist Duncan Johnson designed original artwork for the hotel's lobby by crafting geometric compositions from reclaimed wood found in his home state of Vermont. This inspired the design for the room keys, which are miniature pieces of Duncan's artwork guests can carry with them during a stay. With a focus on the environment, all rooms have an electrical saving system where you have to bolt and lock the door to activate the electricity, so you can feel good about helping the environment when you leave your room!

5 Unique Hotel Room Keys

Check-in to one of these luxe properties with a very special room key

Inspired by a vision of Paris in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is The Night, The Marlton's baby-grand hotel design is the result of designer Sean MacPherson's careful attention to detail. A nod to the era for which it's inspired, Marlton's old-fashioned front desk features mail slots to hold the monogrammed room keys. The setup compliments the heavy brass fixtures by encouraging guests to leave their keys instead of carting them around all day, and upholds MacPherson's historic design style.

5 Unique Hotel Room Keys

Check-in to one of these luxe properties with a very special room key

Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich, part of the WorldHotels Collection in Zurich, Switzerland

Following a recent refurbishment, the Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich decided to keep their traditional, heavy keys. While they might seem old-fashioned, the technology behind the keys is modern, as they connect to an electric security lock for all rooms. The Clefs d'Or Concierges wanted to encourage personal interaction with the guests and the keys play an important role. Guests have to leave the keys with the concierge when they step out of the hotel, allowing the concierges to check on the guest's stay, give them directional advice, offer dining and activity advice, and maintain a personal connection.